MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A devastating fire broke out late last night near Kund Syedan in Muzaffarabad, causing panic among residents and resulting in heavy financial losses to a family.
According to details, the fire erupted in a residential shelter owned by Zawal Qarnain Naqvi, allegedly due to unannounced load shedding, repeated power outages, and dangerously high voltage supplied by the AJK Electricity Department and WAPDA.
The affected citizen stated that electricity was cut around 10:00 pm and was repeatedly switched on and off before 11:00 pm. During this period, a sudden surge of extremely high voltage reportedly caused a severe short circuit, triggering the fire.
The shelter, constructed with polyester sheets and fitted with a plywood ceiling, caught fire instantly and was completely engulfed within minutes.
The victim further said that the Rescue 1122 control room in Muzaffarabad was informed around 11:00 pm; however, despite repeated calls, no response was received.
Subsequently, the police emergency helpline was contacted, which promptly informed the Jalalabad Police Outpost.
Police personnel, along with a firefighting team and a fire tender, reached the scene and managed to control the blaze. By that time, however, the shelter and all household belongings had been completely reduced to ashes.
The firefighting team successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby houses, averting further damage.
According to the rescue officials, no casualties were reported in the incident. However, the affected family suffered severe financial losses.
The residents of the area and the affected citizens have expressed serious concerns over the poor performance of the Electricity Department and WAPDA, irresponsible high voltage, and unacceptable behavior of Rescue 1122.
They have demanded that the higher authorities immediately investigate the incident and take strict action against those responsible, and immediately compensate the affected family for the loss.
